Screen shot from the video “The People of King Benjamin Make a Covenant | Mosiah 5“
How do you sustain a spiritual conversion over time? When you experience a miraculous change of heart and draw closer to God, how do you make it last? How do you prevent the change from eroding?
King Benjamin taught his people some things they could do to “retain a remission of [their] sins” (Mosiah 4:12). The list included daily prayer, serving those in need, and avoiding inappropriate thoughts, words, and actions. Additionally, he led them in making a formal and public commitment to remain faithful, and he explained that this covenant changed their relationship with God, making them the “children of Christ, his sons and his daughters” (Mosiah 5:7).
Benjamin recorded the names of everyone who had entered this covenant, and he appointed priests to remind them of the promises they had made. (See Mosiah 6:1-3.)
These chapters can help us understand how to fortify our own commitment to God. Here are some highlights:
Outline
- Mosiah 4 – King Benjamin’s Sermon, Part 3 – Benjamin’s people pray and receive a remission of their sins. He teaches them how to retain it.
- Mosiah 5 – King Benjamin’s Sermon, Part 4 – Benjamin’s people enter a covenant with God. He urges them to take upon themselves the name of Christ.
- Mosiah 6 – Formalizing the Covenant – Benjamin records the names of the people who entered the covenant. He appoints priests. His son Mosiah begins to reign.
Key Themes
- God can apply the atoning blood of Christ to purify you.
- The Spirit of the Lord can change our hearts and fill us with the desire to do good.
- Our Savior makes it possible for us to be spiritually reborn, becoming his sons and daughters, and taking upon ourselves His name.
- You can retain a remission of your sins by remembering God, humbling yourself, praying daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith.
- Priests teach the gospel, perform ordinances, bless us, and remind us of our duties.
Connections
- Joshua and Samuel both used large stones as a marker, to remind them of their covenant relationship with God. (See Joshua 24:24-27). Benjamin also helped his people remember their covenant by recording their names and appointing priests.
- After Moses revealed God’s law, his people responded “with one voice: All the words which the Lord hath said will we do” (Exodus 24:3). The people of King Benjamin likewise responded to his words “with one voice” (Mosiah 5:2).
Applications
- Give to those who need your help. Don’t ask whether they deserve it. Ask only what you are capable of giving.
- Pace yourself so that you can make sustainable progress.
- Return what you borrow.
- Watch your thoughts, words, and actions.
- Strive to be a dependable disciple, firmly anchored to the Savior.
- Serve the people you lead. Don’t try to place yourself above them.
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